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Recovery in Doubt for Chimp Victim
Woman lost face and hands in attack, may have brain damage
By Rob Quinn
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Posted Mar 5, 09 3:59 AM CST
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(Newser)
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Doctors are doubtful about any significant recovery for a woman attacked by a pet chimpanzee last month, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Charla Nash lost her hands, lips, eyelids, nose and part of the bone structure of her face in the vicious attack, and has been in critical condition since. Doctors believe her injuries may have left her blind and with brain damage.
"The full extent of these injuries, and her potential for recovery, if any, remain unclear," said a statement from the Cleveland Clinic. Nash was transported to the clinic—famous for performing America's first face transplant—within days of the attack, but doctors say it is too early to consider options for reconstructive surgery.